Troy

ACGI'S AFRICAN AMERICAN PAVILION AT BOOKEXPO AMERICA IS PROUD TO HOST THE "WELCOME TO BOOKEXPO AMERICA" RECEPTION AND BOOKSIGNING EVENT FOR AUTHOR AND RADIO / TELEVISION TALK SHOW PERSONALITY MICHAEL BAISDEN! JUNE 6, 2012, JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER, NEW YORK CITY - 1 - 5 PM Michael Baisden, author, radio and television talk show personality. National - Amber Communications Group Inc's African American Pavilion at BookExpo America will be hosting a special "Welcome to BookExpo America Michael Baisden" Reception and Booksigning for the internationally renowned author, radio and television talk show personality, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City, Wednesday, June 6, 2012, 1:00pm - 5:00pm in the ACGI African American Pavilion Booth. The event will be coordinated by Heather Covington of Disilgold.com. Michael Baisden is undeniably one of the most influential and engaging personalities in broadcast history. His meteoric rise to #1 is redefining radio with the numbers to back it up. The show is syndicated by Cumulus Media and is heard in over 78 markets nationwide with over 8 million loyal listeners daily. Since his radio show debuted nationally in 2005, Mr. Baisden has captured the hearts and minds of millions of Americans with his provocative mix of relationship talk, hot topics, politics and the best of old school with today's R&B. When it comes to entertaining, enlightning and educating, no one in talk radio compares. His high energy and love for interacting with his listeners is just one reason for the popularity and success of The Michael Baisden Show. Michael Baisden was recently voted, once again, as one of the most influential men in radio. As a prominent Social Activicist he spearheaded the famous Jena Six march in 2007, advocated for National Free Clinics to get volunteers, was credited by the Obama camp as being one of the major forces behind the historic presidential victory, and was publicly congratulated by President Obama for his efforts and outreach with his One Million Mentors National Campaign to Save Our Kids. 2012 kicked off with the announcement of a partnership with Michael Baisden, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and African American Fraternities for the Mentoring Brothers Campaign to recruit more African American mentors for Black boys. In March 2012 Baisden along with Rev Al Sharpton held a rally in Stanford, FL to protest the injustice over the lack of an arrest in the killing of Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was just walking home from the store. Over 30,000 people attended the rally along with the teenager’s parents and other leaders. Amber Comminications Group Inc's African American Pavilion at BEA is no stranger to influential men and women alike, particularly those in the literary world. Since ACGI's Publisher/CEO Tony Rose founded the African American Pavilion at BEA in 2004, the event has featured special guest appearances by Magic Johnson, Haki Madhubuti, Wesley Snipes, Tavis Smiley, Zane, Tom Joyner, Kassahun Checole, W. Paul Coates, Dr. Cornell West, George Fraser, Omarosa, Sybil Wilkes, Flava Flav, Coach Tony Dungee, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Terrie Williams, Zane, Dr. Steve Perry (CNN & Random House), Max Rodriguez (The Harlem Book Fair) and Annette Thomas (NAACP Image Awards Literary Coordinator), to name a few. Along with Michael Baisden the 2012 invited guests will include: Book Industry Leaders - Carol Mackey (Black Expressions Book Club), Troy Johnson (AALBC), Ron Kavanaugh (Mosaic Books), Malaika Adero (Atria Books/Simon and Schuster), Dawn Davis (Armistad Press / Harper Collins), Judith Curr (Atria Books/Simon and Schuster), Cheryl Woodruf (Smiley Books), LaToya Smith (Grand Central Publishing), Dante Lee (Diversity City Media), Dr. Farrah Grey (Philanthropist), Wade and Cheryl Hudson (Just Us Books), Clara Villarosa, Lesleigh Underwood (Kensington Press), Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati (Publicist) and Selena James (Kensington Press). Authors will include: Mary B. Morrison, Omar Tyree, Mary Monroe, Victoria Christopher Murray, Kevin Weeks, Kevin Johnson, Lynette Velasco, Renee Flagler, James Tanner, Darryl King, Artie Fletcher, Denroy Morgan, Levar Fisher, Dorothy Hughes and many others. ACGI's 2012 African American Pavilion Booth Book Display Authors include: Kevin M. Weeks (Is It Passion or Revenge? and Is It Rags or Riches?); Alexandra Barbot (Dusable-Pirate Son City Founder); T.L. Blythers (Mika Dika-Foster Kid); Denise Bolds (Raising Princes to Be Kings); Ann DeWitt and Kevin M. Weeks (Entangled In Freedom: A Civil War Story); Clarence English (R&B Hip Hop poetry); Artie Fletcher (Comedy On the Road); Sandra Gittens (Ophella's Rooms); C JH Griffin (Lyrics On Matters relating to Stepping Sones and Understanding God's Kingdom); Don Logan (Targeted Delivery: Destination Scottsdale, Arizona); Dr. Russell Razzaque (Obama Karma); Synthia SAINT JAMES (Living My Dream: An Artistic Approach to Marketing); Lisa Smiley (The Black Womans Blues) Marian Styles-McClintock (But Isn't This What We're S'posed To Do) and Ernie Webb (Rescuing America! We Are Taking Her Back and Joshua Freeman) More TBA. ACGI's 2012 African American Pavilion booth authors include: James Tanner, Park Bench Publishing (My Girl Got A Girlfriend) and Darrell King, Darrell King Productions (Deadly Phine) More TBA Media personalities covering the event will include: Charisse and Harvey Nunes (The Book Look), Don Thomas (The New York Beacon), Renee Minus White (The Amsterdam News), Calvin Reid (Publishers Weekly), Diane Patrick (Publishers Weekly), Pat Stevenson (The Harlem News), Dr. Bob Lee (WLIB & WBLS talk show personality), Kam Williams (International Reviewer), Michelle Gipson (Written Magazine), Danny Tisdale (Harlem World Magazine), Kyle Donovan (NV Magazine), Sam Chekwas (Black Book News Magazine), Cynthia Horner (Cinnamon CHIPS Publicity - Word Up! and Right On Magazine), Kenneth Harris (Kenthephotographer), Hal and Debbie Jackson (Hal Jackson's Sunday Classics). More media TBA. BookExpo America, one of the largest book trade exhibits in the world, provides independent African American book publishers, self publishers, authors, Black Interest Imprints at major publishing houses, distributors, literary agents, publicists, librarians and bookstore owners exposure to 20,561 book buyers and booksellers from across the globe. The event takes place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City June 5th - 7th 2012. Now in its Ninth Year, Amber Communication Group, Inc.'s African American Pavilion Booth at BEA is the marketplace for hundreds of African American Publishing Industry Professionals. There will be great opportunities to learn, share, educate, sell and network. The exhibit space will showcase African American books, authors, products and publishers. For further information contact: Tony Rose, Publisher/CEO Amber Communications Group, Inc. 1334 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 5-D67 Phoenix, AZ 85048 602-743-7211 amberbk@aol.com WWW.AMBERBOOKS.COM WWW.AFRICANAMERICANPAVILION.COM WWW.QUALITYPRESS.INFO MICHAEL BAISDEN BIOGRAPHY Michael Baisden is undeniably one of the most influential and engaging personalities in radio history. His meteoric rise to #1 is redefining radio with the numbers to back it up. The show is syndicated by Cumulus Media and is heard in over 78 markets nationwide with over 8 million loyal listeners daily. His career began when he took a leap of faith to leave his job driving trains in Chicago to self-publish his book and began touring the country selling books out of the trunk of his car. Through the power of his sheer determination Michael carved a unique niche as a speaker, radio personality and social activist. He is always in the lead when it comes to helping those who don't have a voice. "I'm not one for talking, either do something or get out of the way". Baisden, who now has four best selling books to his credit, has hosted two national television shows, and has recently produced three feature films. Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality Baisden Communications: His radio career began in 2003 when 98.7 KISS FM in New York City offered him a position as the afternoon drive-time host. Because of budget constraints the station was unable to offer him a salary. Michael's response was, "Just give me the mic!" And sure enough, within six months, their afternoon drive ratings went from number 9 to number 1. After eight months of consistent high ratings, Michael suggested taking his show national, but management was apprehensive, suggesting that New York wasn't ready. A few months later, Michael threatened to quit if management did not pursue a syndication deal. "There was no doubt in my mind that I could have one of the hottest shows on radio! I knew the impact it would have on people all across the country and I wasn't taking no, for an answer," Michael rebutted. Since his radio show debuted nationally in 2005, Michael has captured the hearts and minds of millions of Americans with his provocative mix of relationship talk, hot topics, politics and the best of old school with today’s R&B. When it comes to entertaining, enlightening and educating, no one in talk radio compares. His high energy and love for interacting with his listeners is just one reason for the popularity and success of The Michael Baisden Show. Michael ignites heated discussions with explosive episodic themes like: Infidelity In The Church, Deadbeat Parents, Talking To Your Children About Sex, and Do Women Know What They Want? Baisden was recently voted again as one of the most influential men in radio. Best Selling Author Baisden Publishing: According to Simon & Schuster, Michael Baisden is “probably the most successful self-published African American male author out there today.” With nearly 2 million books in print both hard and soft cover, his books blend the perfect combination of entertainment, humor, provocation and sexuality. Michael’s vibrant personality on and off the air has made him a people magnet. He began attracting attention with primarily female followers as author and publisher of the highly successful best selling books: "Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat", "Men Cry in the Dark", "The Maintenance Man", "God's Gift to Women" and most recently a hot new book “Never Satisfied: Do Men Know What They Want.” Baisden is currently writing his 6th book to be released in 2012. Two of his titles ultimately were adapted into stage plays playing to sold out crowds across the US. Television Show Host The author and relationship expert previously hosted a nationally syndicated talk show: “Talk or Walk”, which was a compelling and fast-paced reality series that combined the emotion of talk, the conflict of court shows and the fascination of a relationship series. Another dream was to host a Late Night Talk show. He got that chance in the fall of 2007, when he partnered with TV One to host and co-executive produce "Baisden After Dark," featuring comedian George Willborn and band leader Morris Day. The show was a smash hit, breaking records for viewers on the network. The show currently airs weekdays. Producer / Film Maker Baisden Film Works: Michael has 2 successful national stage plays (based on his novels); an award winning feature length film presentation documentary titled Love Lust & Lies that deals with relationships and sexuality based on the perspective of people of color; 2 seminar tapes, Relationship Seminar and Men Have Issues Too; a successful web-based community portal and currently a movie in pre-production. Motivational Speaker Baisden Entertainment: The Love, Lust & Lies Relationship Seminar Series attracts thousands of standing room only sold-out crowds nationwide as he tours the country. As a motivational speaker he has been an inspiration to hundreds of thousands attending his seminars and events. As well as numerous national Baisden Live Tours, he has also produced international Island Jam events in Jamaica and has an exclusive trip to South Africa upcoming. Philanthropist The Michael Baisden Foundation: A non-profit organization was formed with a goal to eliminate illiteracy as well as promote technology and is dedicated to education, support and advancement in our communities. Michael’s own passionate testimony as to how books changed his life gives hope to those who have been enslaved by the shackles of illiteracy. In December 2009 Michael called for a National Mentor Training Day and announced his plans for a 2010 nationwide campaign. He pledged up to $350,000 of his own money to be donated in over 72 markets he would visit on a bus tour. The outreach was named “One Million Mentors National Campaign To Save Our Kids.” Michael challenged his listeners to match or beat his donations and get involved. In October 2010 President Barack Obama publicly congratulated Michael on his efforts. He founded the Michael Baisden Foundation focusing on education, literacy and mentoring. Michael believes that “books change lives” and he is living proof! Social Activist & Community Leader Baisden’s proudest moment came on September 20, 2007, when he passionately and skillfully spearheaded the famous Jena 6 March in Jena, Louisiana. This historic and momentous occasion garnered tens of thousands of citizens of all races to peacefully march in support of six young men who have been unfairly treated by the justice system. In addition, he urged millions of listeners to wear black on September 20th in protest of unequal justice. The news traveled throughout the country. Everyone from college students of all races to corporate executives wore black in support of the Jena 6. Another historic year was 2008. In late January Michael endorsed Sen. Barack Obama in the democratic primary. He celebrated President Obama’s victory with over 4,000 fans at a watch party in Miami on election night. The Obama camp along with millions of listeners credited Michael with being one of the major forces behind this historic victory to elect the first African American to the Presidency of the United States. In 2009 he once again stepped up and answered the call of the National Association of Free Clinics. With Michael’s help they were able to get more volunteers than they needed and get the word out to the countless thousands that needed the free health services. Michael continues to entertain, enlighten and educate as he pursues one of his first dreams, to have his novels adapted to major motion pictures. In 2011, Michael continued to expand his media reach when he produced, wrote, and directed a groundbreaking relationship film titled, “Do Women Know What They Want?” The reviews have been amazing! “It was time for something new and exciting, and no one else was doing it, not like this!” Michael said. Get ready! It looks like the baddest man on radio and late night TV will be in theatres near you soon! 2012 kicked off with the announcement of a partnership with Michael Baisden, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and African American Fraternities for the Mentoring Brothers in Action campaign to help recruit more African American men to mentor Black boys. Baisden has donated over $150,000 to BBBS and the fraternities over the past 2 years. In March 2012 Baisden along with Rev Al Sharpton held a rally in Stanford, FL to protest the injustice over the lack of an arrest in the killing of Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was just walking home from the store. Over 30,000 people attended the rally along with the teenager’s parents and other leaders. Stay tuned ~ it's just the beginning of the Baisden legacy. Follow Michael on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube @ BaisdenLive www.MichaelBaisden.com www.BaisdenLive.com www.MingleCity.com

Join Book Industry Professionals and Authors for the 6th Annual Black Pack Party Visit http://aalbc.it/bpp12 for more information

I wonder why there are only two votes cast

It is not clear to me why the US is still so threatened by this tiny island nation...

Marley - Film Reviewed - Revealing Biopic Chronicles Personal Life and Musical Career of Revered Reggae Icon -- this looks like it is gonna be a goodie! http://aalbc.it/marley2012

I've spend most of my adult life in a very bad tax position. Family income 2 to 3 hundred thousand (wages). Sound pretty good right? No inherited wealth (not unusual, but people with inherited wealth and less income bear much lower tax burden) Do you know what AMT is? I hope you don't 'cause it is a really nasty alternative tax for the so called "wealthy" Living in one of the country's most expensive cities Sales Tax ~9%, Taxed by the city, state, Feds on wages Shitty public schools -- private schools really are a must for a good, consistent education from Kindergarten through HS Realestate and rents beyond outrageous. First house cost almost 100K just to close -- that was the minimum down payment. I have paid student loans since I was 22. I'm 50 now and have 28 more years to go. I could go on. But you see the point. A couple with 150K in income living in NYC could very well be living paycheck to paycheck. Of course people do not have to dine out, take trips, own a car, or pay for private school. But in a lot of ways, in many of our major cities, the so called "middle class" ARE the "poor". If you go to work 50-60 hours a week, get 2 or 3 weeks vacation and can't afford get your kids a decent education -- trust me you are poor.... You don't have to be starving to be poor.

Waterstar, understanding humanity, the Bible and the intersection between the two is WAY above my paygrade. If taking the snake story literarly keep people from killing each other I'm cool with that -- as long as they are not forcing me to take it literarly too. The are some Christians that don't take the snake story literarly, but there are also Gay Christians, Bbaby aborting Christians, and Christains that murder in the name of God. So that fact that someone would call your story bullshit, but believes someone who refuses to take the story in the Bible literarally will be damned for eternity does not suprise to me in the least bit.

Well since we all know snakes are incapable of carrying on a conversation the story if clearly false. Now you may have been under the effects of some hallucinogen (you did not rule out drugs), had a psychotic episode or were experiencing an event outside our space/time continuum, in an alternate universe perhaps. In any case, I'm certain what you experienced would not have been shared by someone else right next to you when you encountered the speaking snake. Same goes for the serpent in Genesis.

Hi Peyton, someone gave you some great advice -- thanks for sharing this here and good luck with the series!

Writegirl870, I been in simmilar situations with adults and always regretted raising my voice or cursing. I hate bringing myself down to "their level" so to speak. And you are absoultely right you never know you you are messing with... Waterstar I hear you. Sure there may be policticians who are for us (all of us) but they are, seemingly, very rare and obviously ineffective given the current outcomes. And yeah maybe the "kumbaya moments" are like the moments of lucidity an abusive husband has when he says how sorry he is and how much he loves you -- until the next time. I guess those moments, however short lived and artificial, are better than nothing. Something you can grab onto as a source of hope... Speaking of "Hope" I think an Obama Loss in November will be more telling about the nation state of mind than Obama's win 4 years ago.

I consider myself one of the 99% I think that is a great paradigm. Now this might sound completely contradictory and maybe it is but here it is anyway: I truly believe all of the focus on race is a waste of time and a meaningless distraction, because we all are in the same boat regardless of race -- even the 1%. We all breathe the same air. When the twin towers came down race was not a consideration.... I spend my time advocating for Black people because I'm Black and Black people always get hit first and hardest by all of America's maladies. Everything from unemployment, education, obesity, crime, punishment, marriage rates, etc, etc. The enemies unfortunately are usually white, but sometime Black. The common denomination is the ability and willingness to exploit someone with less power for personal gain. The home mortgage meltdown made it plan to many white people that the king pins of Wall Street and their puppet politicians (mostly white) are the real enemy -- not some poor working, tax paying schlub. The failure of an Obama presidency to make a dent in reversing a single negative trend the progress of the Black community should say something. But Black are not immune to seeiing everything in terms of race. So we just blame white Republicans without considering Black Democrats are just as responsible. The whole system is unsustainable in the long term. When I say things will eventually get better I mean after the US has completely distroyed itself from the inside, which is it on course to do, and is forced to take corrective actions -- much the same way we did after the Civil War. The real risk will be some other nation laying waste to us in our weakened state. But that is already happening, as jobs, currency and intellecual capital is moving overseas with the complete cooperation of the 0.01%.

Waterstar I hear you. The idea that if we all had guns, that we would be protected from a police state is an illusion. They will always have us outgunned as they do now. They could just poison the air, water and food supply (which is being done to a certain extent now). Besides why do we need a police state when the masses are controlled by all the nonsense we have at our disposal now and a dismal educatoin system.

Kola I saw your photo yesterday, but not today. If it is a problem I look at it after a software upgrade taking place today.

Kola your sentiments have been echoed by others: "...Black should have started their own Akashic Books by now." Kola that statement pretty much says it all. But there are small Black owned presses, mainly in the urban space, doing their thing: For example I hosted a reading at the National Black Writers Conference (photo below K'wan, Wahida Clark, Troy Johnson). Both of their next novels will be published by Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams' Cash Money Content. Not only are the publishing these authors they are publishing other popular authors including the Ashley and Jauquavis, Treasure Blue, Iceberg Slim's Backlist and more. You also have Crystal Lacey Winslow's Melodrama Publishing and there are others. The problem remains; as we lose bookstores, magazines, websites, etc. The growth of these publishing companies will be constrained as there are not very many platforms to review or even talk about their books. Furthure, as growth is cramped, there is downward pressure on advertising bugets making a bad situation worse. Now entities like Cash Money Content may engage in more creative promotional tactics, capitalize on celebrity, cross over and reap more successes than traditional publishers, maybe not -- time will tell.

Kola, I think I know the store you are reffering to in Charlotte and it closed. The owner opened a Hooka bar, there are books for sale in the corner of the establishment, but calling it a book store would be a stretch I was there a just weeks ago. Signings are not effective for a number of reasons, but viewing them as opportunities to sell enough book to cover the course of the trip is short sighted. Signing are a form of advertsing and promotion -- an expense if you sell enough books to cover the trip -- great. But if you connect with people, introduce them to your work, those folks will talk about your work with others, post photos on social media. that can pay even greater dividens down the road. The "crippling" book signing is the one in which no one attends, this usually happens when the publisher, store owner, and author fail to promote the signing. Often no research is done to ensure a good date is chosen (Wednesday evenings in the south -- conflicts with bible study), Of course is get more complex but no so much so that common mistakes coulr be avoided.

I don't own a gun and have only fired one twice in my life. I thought about getting a gun one few times, but the only scenario I could invision using one was during a home invasion (a very unlikely event). When I was younger settling a dispute on the street was another consideration (fortunately I've matured). I still don't have one Sure, ban guns for everyone except active millitary. The penalty for actually using one should be extremely severe - i.e. Plexico Burress (sp?) would still be in jail. Just active military and specialized police officers like SWAT teams, but not your avergae beat cop.

Waterstar thanks for sharing this I too was unaware of the book, though I will probably not read the book it is was interesting to hear about its existence. While I'm not as old as Cynique, I'm old enough to recognixe how many of the gain we made since the civil rights era have evaporated for the majoirty of Black folks -- across the spectrum. The most fascinating thing to me is that is very little outcry, from the Black community about our condition. Cynique's point that "...goals more positive seem to be programmed to focus on materialism rather than nation-building." perhaps explains the lack of outcry as individuals focus on themselves when they are mere materialistic consumers. Perhaps the difference between Cynique and myself is that I'm inclined to try to do something about it given my relative youth. But the challenges are great becuase people don't really appreciate the magnitude of the crisis we are in. Waterstar would you mind elaborating on why you feel, "Things are changing and I am convinced that they are changing for the better." What are you seeing or feeling that I'm missing? I too believe things will ultimately improve, but not before they get much worse...

Thanks Kola, but don't get me wrong. I'm not saying Johnny has done anything wrong at all. He is using his God given talents and cultural advanatges to do great things. There is nothing I have to talk to him about -- other than say, "keep up the good work". My concern is that the same system in which a Johnny Temple thrives is the very same one in which I witnessed a dramatic reduction in Black bookstores, Black literary magazines, Black websites, a reduction in the number of Black people in senior roles in publishing houses, and indeed the power of Black indepedent publishing is waning. An older gentlemen, at the end of the panel, asked a rhetorical question which really spoke to what many were feeling. He asked, in essence, was the National Black Writers Conference becoming a multicultural conference? That question was important to me because it says should we, as part of this conference, spend our time celebrating the success of Akaschic Books, or should we spend our time getting down and doing the work necessary to figure out how to publish Black authors ourselves? It was not very long ago when Third World Press had a #1 NY Times Bestselling book. There is nothing on the horizon that gives me any indication that this feat will be repeated again.

I always thought it was children's movie. I did not like a single Harry Potters Movie but I went becuase, initially I took my kids, by the the time the last one rolled around it was like a family tradition. The and the first Potter book, which was the last one, I read to my kids did nothing for me. I'm glad I can ignore the Hunger Games franchise completely. I published a review here: http://aalbc.com/reviews/hunger_games.html

Hey Waterstar I've been to at least two different stors in ATL. Medu (in a mall I forget the name of it) and the Shrine of the Black Madona (not too far from Moorehouse). Are you saying one of them is closed. I agree about Black bookstores there are a pillar of a community. The idea that a state like NC with cities like Greensboro, Raleigh, and Charlotte can not have a single Black owned bookstore boggles the mind....

Hey Kola, I was at the National Black Writers Conference this past weekend. The last panel on the last day was entitled. "Being Sold or Selling Ourselves: Black Writers and the marektplace". The panelists included Regina Brooks, Jlove Calderon, Linda Duggins, Lisa Moore, Johnny Temple and Cheryl Woodruff. Most of the talking was done by Johnny. While is he is clearly a nice guy, passionate and smart about what he does. I could not help but be taken by how seemingly obilvious he is to the fact that much of the ease at which has published so many Black writers is a direct consequence of his being a white man. I was going to address the issue at the panel, but like many others, I thought it wiser to hold my tongue. Perhaps even more important is the issue that Black people despite our money, despite our talents, in 2012 still can not publish our own writers; and are dependent upon the largess of sypathetic white folks. The panel will be broadcast on CSpan's BookTV in the near future -- I encourage everyone to watch it. You can judge for yourself.

This is picking on on a conversation from Facebook: http://www.facebook....206750629430735 Therone if you reply to this message I'll know to respond to your comments and pick uo the conversation here.

This is video 1 of 6, the same user uploaded so the rest are easy to find

Thanks for sharing. So tragic. Arrest for vagrancy then sold into slavery....

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